Denver – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is working with the
CDC, FDA and other western state health departments to investigate an outbreak
of hepatitis A cases believed to be associated with frozen mixed berries
purchased from Costco. Approximately 30 cases of hepatitis A have been reported
from five states (Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California).

The
first people became ill on April 29 and the most recent on May 21. Five of
these cases are Colorado residents. The number of cases in Colorado and in this
outbreak may change, because on average it takes 30 days to become ill with
hepatitis A after eating contaminated food.

Townsend
Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries purchased from Costco appear to
be the source of this outbreak. This blend includes cherries, blueberries,
pomegranate seeds, raspberries and strawberries. Costco has removed this
product from its shelves, although a formal recall has not been issued.

FDA
is further investigating this product, including testing berries for the
hepatitis A virus. The investigation may take several weeks to complete.

The
Colorado cases reside in the Adams, Boulder, Clear Creek, Eagle and Jefferson
counties. Three women and two men have become ill. They range in age from 35 to
71 years.

The
state health department is asking people to check their freezers. If you have
the product, dispose of it. Do not eat it.

The
risk of contracting hepatitis A from eating these berries is low.
However, if you have eaten Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen
berries during the past 14 days, contact your medical provider for an
immunization. If you do not have a medical provider, contact your local health
department.

The
hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection if given within 14 days of exposure.
Some people should receive immune globulin instead of the hepatitis A vaccine.
If you ate these berries within the past 14 days please discuss with your
doctor whether you should receive the hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin.
If you have received hepatitis A vaccine in the past, you do not need to be
revaccinated.

If
it has been more than 14 days since you have eaten these berries, the vaccine
won’t be effective preventing infection. Please monitor for symptoms and
contact your physician if you become ill. Early
signs of hepatitis A appear two to six weeks after exposure.

Symptoms commonly
include:

mild fever

loss of appetite

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

fatigue

pain
in the upper right side of the abdomen

dark urine

jaundice (yellow eyes or
skin)

It is very important if you have these symptoms that you do not go to
work, especially if you work in food service, health care or child care.

The
disease varies in severity, with mild cases lasting two weeks or less and more
severe cases lasting four to six weeks or longer. Hepatitis A infection can be
severe and can result in hospitalization. Some individuals, especially
children, may not develop jaundice and may have an illness so mild it can go
unnoticed. However, even mildly ill people can be highly infectious. People
with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis should consult a physician immediately,
even if symptoms are mild.

Hepatitis
A virus is spread as a result of fecal contamination (fecal-oral route) and may
be spread from person to person through close contact or through food handling.
The virus is commonly spread by contaminated food or beverages. People are at
increased risk of acquiring hepatitis A when they have been in close contact
with an infected person.